Montana congressional candidate speaks out over President's S-CHIP veto

from KPAX

Democratic Congressional candidate Bill Kennedy is pushing to override the President's veto on the State Children's Health Insurance Program. Kennedy spoke about the issue at State Capitol Wednesday morning.

S-CHIP provides health insurance to more than 14,000 children in low-income families, and Yellowstone County Commissioner Bill Kennedy says those in support of the President's veto are making a mistake.

"President Bush has decided he wants to play politics with our children's health."

Last week, the President vetoed a bill that would expand the State Children's Health Insurance Program by $35-billion. S-CHIP, which expired last month, provides health insurance to children from low income families.

In one week Congress will vote on whether or not to override President Bush's veto. 22 votes are needed to overturn his decision. Commissioner Bill Kennedy says it is Republican Congressman Dennis Rehberg's duty to convince the 151 Republicans who voted against the Bill to change their votes.

"Montana's only Congressman has tried to weasel his way around this bill. He voted against it, then he voted for it."

Montana Republican Party Executive Director, Chris Wilcox, insists Rehberg is in full support of CHIP even though he voted against the original House Bill earlier this year.

"Congressman Rehberg has worked very hard. He stood up to the President to override the veto and he's working with both his colleagues in the House and the Senate, Republicans and Democrats, to make sure that happens."

This week, Kennedy sent a letter to every member of Congress outlining the importance of S-CHIP. The letter pinpoints rural children, saying they have additional healthcare challenges and will be particularly vulnerable if the measure is not passed.

The vote will take place on October 18th.